Dear Ashley,

I'm an alcoholic. I'm not embarrassed. I wear the label. People think I'm usually joking. 

I live in a college town, drinking is expected. My problem is a bit drastic. A bottle next to me when I'm sleeping. A shot when I wake up and before I shower. I've gone a day without drinking, never more than a day. 

Do I need alcohol? I don't know anymore. It was a social thing. Now I sit home alone and Netflix and drink...alone. It was a way to cope. Now I'm still coping cause I think I hate my life. I'm a bundle of doubt and I know I'm wasting my life away while there's a kid in the hospital who wants to live. I guess I should reach out for help. I'd rather reach for the bottle. 

Sincerely, 

Anonymous